Chris Wood scored off the bench for Newcastle on Sunday, and has now said that he wants to start in Wednesday’s League Cup clash against Crystal Palace.
The New Zealand international came on at half time for the Magpies against Southampton, replacing Callum Wilson who was suffering with illness.
It was a big chance for Wood, and he took it with both hands. With Newcastle leading 1-0, the Saints were beginning to put Eddie Howe’s side under pressure at the start of the second half.
Then Wood came up with the moment that settled Toon nerves.
Joe Willock slotted a neat ball through to Jacob Murphy, who tried to wiggle his way into a shooting position. The 27-year-old was only able to stab it into the direction of Wood, whose finish eased Howe’s nerves and made it 2-0 to Newcastle.
It was a great goal by Wood – his first in the Premier League this season. The 30-year-old has now scored twice in all competitions, and will hope to add to his tally on Wednesday night.
Crystal Palace arrive at St James’ Park for the third round of the Carabao Cup, and Wood has sent a clear message to his manager ahead of the game.
Wood hopes to be in the starting XI against Palace
After scoring in the 4-1 win over Southampton, Wood spoke to NUFC TV. And the striker is already turning his attention to Wednesday night.
“I want to keep my run going,” he said.
“I’ll be looking to start on Wednesday and hopefully continue. It’s a chance for a lot of us boys that haven’t played a lot of minutes to show our stuff and hopefully put an impression in the gaffer’s mind to know when we’re called upon we’re ready.”
Chance for Wood to build up form
Wood has always been a streaky player, so he will hope for the chance to build on his goal and start against Crystal Palace.
The £25million man already has one goal in the League Cup this season. He scored Newcastle’s winner in the 2-1 win over Tranmere back in August. That was an excellent header, and it has taken Wood a long time to find the net again.
But he did it against Southampton, and will be hoping to do the same when Patrick Vieira’s side head to the North East.
With Wilson struggling with illness and having one eye on the World Cup, Wednesday seems like the perfect chance for Wood to start. He has had to wait patiently for opportunities this season, but should get one in the cup. If he does start, it will be his first since the 1-1 draw with Wolves in August.
Hopefully Wood can build up some form and get on the scoresheet again. It’s just a shame that if he does get some momentum that it will be halted by the imminent break for domestic football.
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